By Chioma Obinna

Worried about the increasing prevalence of cardiovascular diseases, CVDs, the Health Emergency Initiative (HEI) has announced a transformative partnership with the US Consulate General in Lagos aimed at equipping young Nigerians with critical skills for handling pre-hospital emergencies.

The collaboration will focus on training cohorts from the American Corners in Lagos, Port Harcourt and other locations, along with teachers and secondary school students, on CPR, First Aid, and emergency response techniques. The program aligns with the commitment of both organisations to youth empowerment and community impact.

The need for the initiative stems from a concerning rise in CVDs and the alarming rate of road traffic accidents (RTAs) in Nigeria. The World Health Organization (WHO) recently highlighted RTAs as a leading cause of death among young people, particularly in Nigeria and other developing nations. Recognising this, HEI and the US Consulate General are committed to creating systemic change in how Nigerians respond to emergencies.

Commenting on the initiative, the Executive Director of HEI and Ashoka Fellow, Mr. Paschal Achunine, expressed optimism about the partnership.

Reflecting on the journey that began 14 months ago with a collaborative visit to the Embassy that included representatives from the Federal Road Safety Corps and LFR International, Michigan USA, Achunine emphasised the initiative’s potential to make a transformative impact nationwide.

“We are excited about this partnership and the impact it will have on our communities. With the support of the US Consulate General, we aim to empower youths with life-saving skills, leveraging technology to enhance our outreach,” he stated.

He also lauded the initiative’s importance, noting that it equips participants with critical skills that can shift the response culture from passive observation (taking picture & videos during and posting on social media) to active assistance in emergencies.

 “This partnership is crucial in enhancing emergency response capabilities in Nigeria.”

He encouraged corporate organisations to support the program, emphasising its potential to foster a culture of responsibility and responsiveness in emergency situations.

The programme’s objectives include training and equipping over 100 high school students, teachers, as well as young individuals from American Corners with essential CPR and First Aid skills. Additionally, it aims to onboard 250 virtual and 100 in-person participants onto HEI’s iResponders mobile app, designed to improve response time and survival rates. Plans are also underway to establish First Responders clubs in schools and emergency clubs at the American Corners in Lekki and Ikeja to ensure the initiative’s sustainability.

The initiative complements HEI’s extensive track record of providing timely care to accident victims within the critical “golden hours” and supporting indigent patients with essential medical care. To date, HEI has impacted over 120,000 individuals, earning recognition as the Best Supporting NGO by the Lagos State Health Service Commission.

The US Consulate-General-HEI partnership is a milestone in building a healthier, safer Nigeria, empowering the next generation with essential skills to save lives and transform emergency response nationwide.